Any Tips For My PJ Pickup Configuration Project?

[spicypisces]

I've been using a cheap p bass copy for my practice and some performances before, so now I've thought about modding it into a PJ pickup configuration. I really love the iconic sound of the precision pickup as well as the useful bridge pickup on the jazz bass; so I want to see if it's possible to get the best of both worlds without any compromise. I also want to experiment with putting in an active preamp with a bypass switch. I've searched a lot on youtube and other sites but I still want to get insight and advice from those with experience. Thanks in advance!

 

[ctmullins]

You should search a lot here. There’s loads of info.

Tip #1: Pick a J pickup with enough output to match the P.

 

[JimmyM]

Some call PJ's a compromise no matter what you do. I consider their opinions to not matter one little bit. I prefer a humbucking J because I don't like 60 cycle hum, so some consider that a compromise while I certainly don't.

 

[Laurent]

The two gentleman above gave you all you need to know. PJ balance is critical, humbucking J is critical.
Short answer Aguilar PJ or DiMarzio Model P and Model J will check these two boxes. Aguilar for vintage laid back tone, Dimarzio for more modern, aggressive, edgy tone.

 

[DarkStar90]

PJ's in my opinion need a pickup switch, even if you have individual volumes. Switching to the p pickup sounds better than turning the J pickups down.

I recommend putting a split coil J pickup in the bridge that is wired to a series/parallel switch. Putting the J pickup into series helps it compete with the p.

 

[StereoPlayer]

I’ve been playing this p/j since I put it together in 1982. I love it.

 

[grouse789]

I went with Bartolini P\J 8S and 9J in the bridge of my fretless. I was going for “that” sound and it achieves that in spades.
I run the J pickup just under the strings that helps to balance it out.